It’s a day for big romantic gestures.

Every year, our Instagram feeds are filled with images of huge floral Valentine’s Day bouquets, chocolates go lór and lovey-dovey couples getting engaged on fancy weekend breaks.

For the rest of us, Valentine’s Day is most romantic when the celebrations are a little more low-key.

Happily, Cork’s delightful selection of small and candlelit bars and snugs mean there are plenty of lovely spots for a fuss-less night out with your other half.

Here are five low-key spots to take your Valentine’s date:

1. Pigalle

Everyone knows Pigalle for their wonderfully inventive cocktails, but they also have a fantastic food menu bursting with adventurous dishes such as the Sea Food Tom Kha or the Roast Cauliflower with chickpea panisse.

Soft lighting, a heated beer garden and cosy booths make Pigalle is a perfect romantic spot to bring your love.

 

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2. Aye

Aye has an air of no-fuss but plenty of detail about it and is another spot with a colourful selection of cocktails. Take your love to Bottomless Brunch on Saturday or a smokey cocktail on Sunday and order yourselves some jackfruit tacos or Gambas Pil Pil Skewers from their sharing menu.

 

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3. Upstairs

Everyone knows how much we enjoy a good teacup. We love Upstairs for its cosy interiors, traditional wooden seats, and fancy cup cocktails.

Head here after dinner for a whiskey sour, this week’s special ‘The Back & Beyonds’ (dark rum and vermouth topped off with homemade Ginseng & Honey Syrup) or just a good ‘ol pint of Beam.

 

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4. The Raven

The Raven is a bustling gastropub but it’s also seriously moody. We are big fans of the darkness in this bar, with its jet black walls and sultry red lighting –  it’s a fantastic date spot.

They have an excellent selection of wine so it’s a good place to bring an oenophile for a casual drink or two.

For details on their food menu, cocktail menu and barrels of wine, visit their site here.

 

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5. Goldberg’s

If you’ve got kids and can’t find a babysitter for the night or you fancy doing something on your own time, treat your Valentine to a tasty brunch at Goldberg’s.

Their pancakes covered in bacon covered in maple syrup are scrumptiously sweet and perfect to share for the day that’s in it.

 

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Main image: Aye Cork